Cherries are some of the few winners from the hot weather, as rain can damage the fruit.
Photograph: Alamy

Weeks of warm dry weather have taken their toll on fruit and vegetable growers. Parts of England have had no rain for more than 50 days, and the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board has said it is the driest runup to harvest in 80 years. Many plants stop growing once temperatures top 25C, and crops without irrigation are especially struggling.

Carrots Yields are expected to be at least 30% down as low rainfall and heat affect crops. Average wholesale prices are up nearly 55% as a result, according to reports in the Grocer magazine.

Onions Wholesale prices are up nearly 55% year on year, and the UK’s crop is expected to be 25% smaller this year. A cold wet spring delayed planting and then a lack of rain and high temperatures in June and July put crops under stress.

Broccoli and cauliflower Severe shortages are expected as both crops have stopped growing in the heat. Prices of British caulis have surged 81% and broccoli is up by 37%.

Potatoes The main crop won’t start to be lifted until September, so a spell of rainfall could change matters, but Guy Smith, the deputy president of the NFU, reckons the crop is likely to be lower than last year – potentially by as much as 25%. Large baking potatoes could be in particularly short supply.

Apples Growers are expecting a crop in line with last year at best unless there is significant rainfall throughout August. While the long sunny spell is likely to mean sweeter fruit, Ali Capper of the English Apples & Pears trade body said growers were currently asking supermarkets to change their specifications so that they would accept smaller fruit.

Peas Will be smaller, as will the size of the crop, as the hot, dry weather makes plants wilt and stop producing new fruits. Crops have also been affected by increased attacks from pests such as the pea moth, which thrive in warmer conditions.

Arable crops Barley planted in the spring, much of which goes to the brewing industry, has been severely affected. It was planted late because of bad weather earlier in the year and has “barely known rain” since, according to the NFU’s Guy Smith. He said crops could be at half their normal levels. Winter wheat, barley and oilseed rape, which were well established by the time of the drought, have been less affected, but yields could still be 10% to 20% lower than average, with oilseed rape the most affected.

Milk Yields are down as the hot weather has killed off the grass in many areas. Farmers are being forced to use fodder that they would normally save for the winter because there is not enough fresh feed for cows and sheep in the fields.

Bumper crop

Raspberries A longer season is expected to make up for a 20% shortfall earlier on as growers dealt with the late spring.

Cherries The fruit can be damaged by rain, so the sun will bring a sweeter, better-looking crop.

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